How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska?
Based on the most recent comprehensive survey in 2011, there were about 27,000 glaciers in Alaska. However, the number of glaciers is a misleading statistic. Scientists are more interested in total glacial land coverage as a measure. The number of glaciers is less important since large ones can split up into several as they retreat. The amount of area glaciers occupy in Alaska is trending downward.
Roughly a third of Alaska’s glaciers have been given official names that can be found in the online Geographic Names Information System.
Learn more: USGS Water Science School - Glaciers: Things to Know